“Well, I guess designer might not be in my budget. I was looking for something functional, not necessarily glamorous,” she said and then looked back at the one coat she had been eyeing. Lucia checked the price tag and cringed.
“You know, we get so many donations for coats for the shelter, we wind up selling them during the fair for a monetary donation. I think in the one box that Diane just brought out, I saw a similar coat, but a bit warmer and more functional like you said. Come on, we’ll check and see.”
Anna was grateful Lucia didn’t protest but instead followed her toward the box of items.
As Anna looked through the box, Diane joined them.
“There is definitely one very similar to that black one you were eyeing. It’s last year’s design, but exactly the same. I think the designer just added an extra fancy button on the lapel,” Diane said.
“Here it is. Size small. That should fit you. You’re very petite,” Anna told her.
Lucia looked at the tag. “I don’t know. It’s still a lot.”
“No, you try it on. The price tag doesn’t matter. I told you that these are donations and if no one uses them from the shelter we sell them for monetary donations at the fair. It’s a win-win situation,” Anna stated.
Diane helped Lucia try it on, and it fit perfectly.
“Wow, this is very warm, yet really light,” Lucia stated as she snuggled into it. Anna smiled.
“It’s down feathers or something. Let’s see if there’s another one. It’s always good to have a backup,” Anna said as she looked through the pile.
“Oh no, this is fine. I couldn’t take another one. Someone else might need it more,” she said, and Anna realized instantly she liked Lucia.
“Here, this one is chocolate brown and matches your eyes,” Diane stated.
“Oh, look at that, and it has some fancy buttons too. It can be your dress-up coat,” Anna sated.
“I don’t really need a dress-up coat.”
“Why not? You never know when someone might ask you out.”
Anna immediately saw the color drain from Lucia’s face. She looked downright scared.
Anna touched her arm.
“Sweetie, I was only joking. Don’t look so scared. No one in Pearl will hurt you.”
“I’m sorry, it’s just—”
“No worries. Now, try this brown one on too.”
“Were you looking for other things like sweaters or jeans, maybe skirts, boots, anything else?” Diane asked. Anna could see how excited Diane was getting. She loved to help people.
“I don’t think I can get all that today. I only have a little to spend as I just worked my first full week at a new job.”
“With Mary Higgins, right?” Anna asked. Lucia looked a bit concerned.
“Don’t worry, word travels fast around here, and besides that, Mrs. Higgins has a heart of gold. She’s helped create jobs for some of the women in the shelter who have nothing. In fact when it gets closer to the winter holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah, she throws a big holiday party and gets the women to decorate, serve food, and also partake in the festivities. It’s an awesome event.”
“That sounds so nice. She is a very energetic woman. I’m grateful she gave me the job. I was getting worried when I asked around town and no one was hiring.”
“Well, there are lots of jobs in Keanter,” Diane told her.
“I think it’s too far to walk. I don’t exactly have transportation, so working here in town is perfect. So how much for the coats?” Lucia asked.
“It’s whatever you want to donate to the shelter.”
She thought about it a moment and then gave a hundred dollar bill.